charliebravobookshttps://charliebravobooks.com
Militaria Collecting (Australian Army insignia) uniform embellishments and badgesWed, 25 Apr 2018 20:16:40 +0000enhourly1http://wordpress.com/https://secure.gravatar.com/blavatar/8faf6caa1869bc5e89ad3219ac5d54a8?s=96&d=https%3A%2F%2Fs0.wp.com%2Fi%2Fbuttonw-com.pngcharliebravobookshttps://charliebravobooks.com
Some newly-released ‘post 1997’ insignia are now on issue within the Australian Army’s Supply systemhttps://charliebravobooks.com/2018/04/25/some-newly-released-post-1997-insignia-are-now-on-issue-within-the-australian-armys-supply-system/
https://charliebravobooks.com/2018/04/25/some-newly-released-post-1997-insignia-are-now-on-issue-within-the-australian-armys-supply-system/#respondWed, 25 Apr 2018 12:19:27 +0000http://charliebravobooks.com/?p=863Continue reading Some newly-released ‘post 1997’ insignia are now on issue within the Australian Army’s Supply system]]>Those of us who collect and study/record the insignia of the Australian Army, will be pleased to know, that there is some good news about the still incomplete changeover to the ‘post 1997’ series of insignia which are still slowly being introduced across in the Australian Army’s procurement and supply chain.

Enquiries are now being made through Canberra, as to the Army’s intention with respect to the issue of an updated Nursing Corps’ brooch, which has still not been seen in the new/’post 1997′ non ferrous metal and chrome plated finish.

In a further insignia supply change, the new style of 24 ct gold-plated metal shoulder titles are now known to be available for issue to members of the Australian Army Legal Corps (AALC). This means that the Legal Corps’ post 1997 (large) hat sized and (smaller) collar size badges (which have been available for service issue over the last 2 years), are now a complete re-issued set of insignia, given the introduction of these new 24 kt gold plated non-ferrous metal shoulder titles.

Photographs of the Nursing Corps and the Legal Corps issue items have been provided below. Further posts will be made as the remaining re-manufactured/updated insignia are introduced to the Army’s procurement and supply chain. Collectors will be aware that chief among those remaining insignia replacements, are a significant number of stamped brass shoulder titles in chrome finish, for various armoured units.

We hope you have enjoyed this update on metal uniform embellishment for the Australian Army, coming as it does on ANZAC Day 2018

Here are a pair of images depicting 3 trial variations and one approved issue version of the RAAF SF (hat badge) for qualified Joint Terminal Attack Controllers. For disambiguation purposes, it is important to note that RAAF No. 4 Squadron A Flight, is composed of aircrew responsible for operating four Pilatus PC-9A(F) Forward Air Control (FAC) variant aircraft. The aircraft are based at RAAF Base Williamtown to train ADF Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC)

B Flight (Combat Control Team) personnel operate with Australian Army Ground Forces, to direct and control combat airstrike (CAS) operations for the forces they operate with.

Selection to become a Combat Controller is open to any ADF member and involves completion of the 8-week CCT Intake Course providing preparatory ground skills training and to prepare volunteers for the Special Forces Entry Test. Volunteers need to successfully pass the Special Forces Entry Test, complete the Commando Reinforcement Training Cycle, Joint Terminal Attack Controller, Aviation Meteorology, Assault Zone Reconnaissance and Air Weapons Delivery courses.

C Flightdelivers the ADF Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) course as well as the ongoing accreditation of graduates.

As you can see, the two left most badges are in chrome finish with black synthetic enamel background detail. The only real difference between these two initial trial pattern insignia, is that the first pattern item is thicker than the second pattern.

The 3rd variation is the same size as the first two variants, however it is as thin as the second variant and is finished in a matt gun metal finish.

The 4th variant was accepted for issue and use, it is identical to the 3rd variation design, save for the fact the the overall size of the variant was reduced.

Note that all four variants depicted in this post, were manufactured by Wundurra Medal Mounting (Brisbane Australia) and that this SF insignia was conditionally included in Volume 2 of our work on Australian Army metal uniform embellishments (at item CB 360R), for the purposes of documenting and explaining the issue of this SF item and its recent appearance on the headdress used by B Flight (Combat Control Team) Operators serving alongside Australian Army personnel.

Here is yet another set of images, taken from our current work on Volume 3. The 3rd volume in the series, covers metal rank and trade insignia used by the Australian Army, from 1953 to the present day. This time, we have prepared an advanced extract from the section which documents the rank of Field Marshall (shown here on a set of polyester shoulder boards). For those of you who are not aware of the identity of the only individual who holds the rank of Field Marshall in the Australian Army… it’s Prince Charles.

As you can see, unlike the shoulder boards for the ranks of Governor General and State Governor, these items come in opposed pairs only.It does take an eye for detail to see how these items oppose

Happy research and collecting!

The Authors

]]>https://charliebravobooks.com/2018/03/10/more-current-issue-australian-army-rank-insignia-field-marshall/feed/0charliebravo00cField Marshall rank on poly boards 300DPISome more Australian Army rank insignia, from our current work on ‘Volume 3’https://charliebravobooks.com/2018/03/04/a-some-more-australian-army-rank-insignia-taken-from-current-work-on-volume-3/
https://charliebravobooks.com/2018/03/04/a-some-more-australian-army-rank-insignia-taken-from-current-work-on-volume-3/#respondSat, 03 Mar 2018 22:44:45 +0000http://charliebravobooks.com/?p=841Continue reading Some more Australian Army rank insignia, from our current work on ‘Volume 3’]]>Hello Again,

Here is another set of images, taken from our current work on Volume 3. The 3rd volume in the series, covers metal rank and trade insignia used by the Australian Army, from 1953 to the present day. This time, we have given you an advanced extract from the section which documents State Governors’ polyester shoulder boards.

As you can see, just like the Governor General’s shoulder boards which were posted last time, these items come in non opposed pairs only.

Happy research and collecting!

The Authors

]]>https://charliebravobooks.com/2018/03/04/a-some-more-australian-army-rank-insignia-taken-from-current-work-on-volume-3/feed/0charliebravo00cState Govenor non opposing pair obverse 300dpiA brief look at some Australian Army rank insignia, taken from current work on Volume 3https://charliebravobooks.com/2018/02/20/a-brief-look-at-some-australian-army-rank-insignia-taken-from-current-work-on-volume-3/
https://charliebravobooks.com/2018/02/20/a-brief-look-at-some-australian-army-rank-insignia-taken-from-current-work-on-volume-3/#respondTue, 20 Feb 2018 13:41:39 +0000http://charliebravobooks.com/?p=835Continue reading A brief look at some Australian Army rank insignia, taken from current work on Volume 3]]>Hello everyone,

We have been busy working and researching a number of new publications. Here is one example in a series of planned pictorial extracts, which have been taken from our work on Volume 3, in our series of books which cover metal insignia used by the Australian Army from 1952 to the present day (i.e. from the QEII era).

These items came directly from an official Army source of supply and the images establish that rank for Governors’ General, do not oppose. As you can see the rank insignia come in both gold and silver plated finishes

We hope you enjoy this 1st selected extract, from our work on Volume 3 (as promised).

Yours in research and collecting

The Authors

]]>https://charliebravobooks.com/2018/02/20/a-brief-look-at-some-australian-army-rank-insignia-taken-from-current-work-on-volume-3/feed/0charliebravo00cNew Australian Army insignia items… this time it’s new Stable Belts!https://charliebravobooks.com/2017/12/26/new-australian-army-insignia-items-this-time-its-new-stable-belts-for-poly-uniforms/
https://charliebravobooks.com/2017/12/26/new-australian-army-insignia-items-this-time-its-new-stable-belts-for-poly-uniforms/#respondTue, 26 Dec 2017 03:44:44 +0000http://charliebravobooks.com/?p=818Continue reading New Australian Army insignia items… this time it’s new Stable Belts!]]>Hello All!

Here are some images of a relatively new series of Australian Army insignia. As you can see, the (new) slimmer RAAMC stable belt buckle at the bottom of the image, is shown against previous generations of these uniform items, which were worn from the 1980’s to 1990’s.

Those of us who collect stable belts, will recognise the first two items immediately. The images show, the first style “British Army” or “Cavalry” style two buckle belts (on the top row). That particular older pattern item was worn by me in 1984, through to about 1990. At the time, stable belts were a private purchase item and these items were available in the correct Australian Army colour pattern for all Corps (N.B. only Medical Corps items are shown here in this post) and also in the correct colours for many Units as well (especially amongst Armour/Cav Units).

Turning back to the images provided here, the second larger format item (shown in the middle image), is the “Boy Scout” style buckle from the same period (mid 1980’s to mid 1990’s). That item was purchased (as a ‘spare’) from a mate of mine who discharged at the time… but given the nick name that I’ve always applied to that type of belt buckle design, I never did end up using that second item.

Here’s a ‘detail shot’ of the new (smaller) format belt, compared to the older (larger pattern) item:

So much for the ‘background info’. As you will see, the 3rd belt in the image, is one of the new Stable belt designs and as can be seen by comparison, it is designed to be used in place of a standard webbing belt. Other than the smaller belt (height) of these new items, you can see that they are essentially identical to the earlier period items in all other aspects of their design.

Note PLATATAC maker’s mark to verso. Supplier information can be found at the Australian equipment manufacturer’s web site:

Further enquiries will be made about this point to the proper Offices in Canberra and Melbourne, however the MD of PLATATAC has indicated that these items are not Australian Army approved for uniform wear and are available as the result of Unit level requests for private purchase items. Once we have information from Defence Procurement, we will post details of any further information that we acquire.

Yours in research and collecting!

The Authors

]]>https://charliebravobooks.com/2017/12/26/new-australian-army-insignia-items-this-time-its-new-stable-belts-for-poly-uniforms/feed/0charliebravo00cRAAMC Stable belts 1980s x2 and 2017 x1RAAMC Stable belts 1980s x1 and 2017 x1 b(both Boy Scout belt sytle buckles)RAAMC Stable belt 2017 x1 (Obverse)RAAMC Stable belt 2017 x1 (MM 'PLATATAC')New Aviation Regiment Titleshttps://charliebravobooks.com/2017/12/08/new-aviation-regiment-titles/
https://charliebravobooks.com/2017/12/08/new-aviation-regiment-titles/#respondThu, 07 Dec 2017 14:08:16 +0000http://charliebravobooks.com/?p=811Continue reading New Aviation Regiment Titles]]>Here is an image of the new metal shoulder titles on issue for Australian Army Aviation Regiments. The images were obtained on a recent visit to the Australian Army Procurement Office. Most collectors and dealers will already be aware of the 1st Aviation Regiment title and will probably have seen that item in circulation this year. However, the 5th and 6th Avn items have generally not been seen outside for the Units (or at least not outside of specialist Defence Procurement holdings).

Happy Collecting !charliebravobooks.com

]]>https://charliebravobooks.com/2017/12/08/new-aviation-regiment-titles/feed/0charliebravo00c3 New Aviation Regiment titlesService Modification of metal badges, an introduction to some selected exampleshttps://charliebravobooks.com/2017/10/17/service-modification-of-metal-badges-an-introduction-to-some-selected-examples-3/
https://charliebravobooks.com/2017/10/17/service-modification-of-metal-badges-an-introduction-to-some-selected-examples-3/#respondTue, 17 Oct 2017 02:34:31 +0000http://charliebravobooks.com/?p=808Continue reading Service Modification of metal badges, an introduction to some selected examples]]>Here is a further topic in our series of video blogs on Australian Army metal uniform insignia. This post covers “Service Alteration” of otherwise standard issue metal insignia items. This post covers everything from repaired service damage, through to alteration of fastening fittings by service personnel , before going on to discuss examples of badges which have been deliberately bent along one long axis, in order to make a metal hat or cap badge fit a Service Dress Cap brim or for the purpose of following the curvature of the upturned brim on an Australian Army Slouch Hat (also known as a ‘Khaki Fur Felt’ or ‘KFF’). The post ends with the details of ‘saw piercing’ work done to the hat badge of the South Australian Mounted Rifles (SAMR) hat badge and comprehensively remodeled hat, collar and sporran badges used by the Sydney University Regiment Band (SUR). There are a couple of other interesting ‘oddities’ thrown in to the coverage of this discussion as well.

Finally, please note that one of the collar badges discussed in this post, is the Adelaide University Regiment… for some reason I incorrectly named it as the “Australian” University Regiment, but I doubt that with confuse anyone enough for the audio to need alteration.

Regards

The Authors

]]>https://charliebravobooks.com/2017/10/17/service-modification-of-metal-badges-an-introduction-to-some-selected-examples-3/feed/0charliebravo00cService Modification of metal badges, an introduction to some selected exampleshttps://charliebravobooks.com/2017/10/09/service-modification-of-metal-badges-an-introduction-to-some-selected-examples-2/
https://charliebravobooks.com/2017/10/09/service-modification-of-metal-badges-an-introduction-to-some-selected-examples-2/#respondMon, 09 Oct 2017 00:12:40 +0000http://charliebravobooks.com/2017/10/09/service-modification-of-metal-badges-an-introduction-to-some-selected-examples-2/charliebravobooks: Here is a further topic in our series of video blogs on Australian Army metal uniform insignia. This post covers “Service Alteration” of otherwise standard issue metal insignia items. This post covers everything from repaired service damage, through to alteration of fastening fittings by service personnel , before going on to…]]>

Here is a further topic in our series of video blogs on Australian Army metal uniform insignia. This post covers “Service Alteration” of otherwise standard issue metal insignia items. This post covers everything from repaired service damage, through to alteration of fastening fittings by service personnel , before going on to discuss examples of badges which have been deliberately bent along one long axis, in order to make a metal hat or cap badge fit a Service Dress Cap brim or for the purpose of following the curvature of the upturned brim on an Australian Army Slouch Hat (also known as a ‘Khaki Fur Felt’ or ‘KFF’). The post ends with the details of ‘saw piercing’ work done to the hat badge of the South Australian Mounted Rifles (SAMR) hat badge and comprehensively remodelled hat, collar and sporran badges used by the Sydney University Regiment Band (SUR). There are a…

]]>https://charliebravobooks.com/2017/10/09/service-modification-of-metal-badges-an-introduction-to-some-selected-examples-2/feed/0charliebravo00cMore Unusual Australian Army Insignia This time: headdress for the Tri-Service Band.https://charliebravobooks.com/2017/09/24/more-unusual-australian-army-insignia-this-time-headdress-for-the-tri-service-band/
https://charliebravobooks.com/2017/09/24/more-unusual-australian-army-insignia-this-time-headdress-for-the-tri-service-band/#respondSun, 24 Sep 2017 00:03:48 +0000http://charliebravobooks.com/?p=722Continue reading More Unusual Australian Army Insignia This time: headdress for the Tri-Service Band.]]>G’Day All,

Here are two basic ‘snap shots’ taken by the Butler Family (by Arthur’s granddaughter actually), of the headdress insignia used by a member of the Australian Defence Force Tri-Service Band, immediately after 2015 ANZAC Day Dawn Service, at Brisbane’s ANZAC Square.

The first image shows the Tri-Service Band insignia, recorded at CB371 (Type 1). The second shot shows a modern issue version of the British Army’s Cameron Highlanders’ hat badge. Earlier production items of similarly ‘adopted’ British insignia, have been used by other Australian Army Bands in the past. One such directly relevant Cameronian item, is the bonnet badge worn by the 16th Battalion,The Cameron Highlanders of Western Australia (during the 1960’s and 70’s). See the comparison image of that bonnet badge at serial CB 265 of Volume 2

We trust this brief background update on two reasonably obscure Australian Army insignia items, will be of interest to those who subscribe to this blog.